I'm aiming to apply to competitive schools like Duke and Northwestern. Can anyone share what ACT scores I should be targeting to have a solid shot at admission?
|1 answer
Competitive colleges like Duke and Northwestern typically look for ACT composite scores of 33 or higher for strong consideration. The middle 50% range for accepted students at these institutions usually falls between 33-35, meaning a score of 34 or above puts you in an excellent position for consideration. Even with a score in the lower 30s, you can still be competitive if other parts of your application are exceptional.
Remember that your ACT score is just one component of your college application. Competitive universities take a holistic approach when reviewing candidates. They carefully evaluate your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation alongside your test scores. A slightly lower ACT score can be offset by outstanding achievements in other areas.
To maximize your chances at highly selective colleges, aim to score within or above the middle 50% range of admitted students. For most top-tier universities, this means targeting a composite score of 33-36. However, each competitive college has slightly different expectations. Some might have middle 50% ranges starting at 32, while others might begin at 34.
Start preparing for the ACT early and consider taking it multiple times if needed. Most competitive colleges accept superscoring, which means they'll consider your highest section scores across different test dates. This policy can work to your advantage as you try to achieve your target score. Many successful applicants take the ACT 2-3 times to reach their optimal score.
Post an answer to this question to help other readers